JOHN O'SULLIVANtalks to Brian O'Driscoll who felt a bit pinched on not getting the captaincy

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL received the courtesy call from Ian McGeechan informing him the Lions coach had decided to ask Paul O’Connell to lead the touring party to South Africa. It hardly constituted a surprise as in the three week-long preamble to the announcement the Scot’s preference for a forward as captain was regularly documented.

The bookmakers had closed the book on the captaincy issue a fortnight early, declining further investment in O’Connell. O’Driscoll wasn’t impervious to the signs that his Ireland team-mate and friend would succeed him as Lions captain. Still when McGeechan turned speculation into fact, the Leinster and Ireland centre felt a twinge of disappointment.

It was a natural reaction. “I got the phone call from Geech (Ian McGeechan) to tell me he was going with Paulie (as Lions captain). He explained the thought process behind the decision, assured me that he would draw on my experience and that he would travel to see me to discuss the role he’d like to see me fulfil.

“As much as I really didn’t expect to get it (the captaincy), there was a part of me that was happy, it (the decision) pinched a bit. I was right to care and I did. I knew of Ian’s preference to have a forward as captain but until the moment actually comes I suppose a part of you thinks that you still might get it.”

As soon as he finished speaking to McGeechan, O’Driscoll phoned O’Connell to congratulate him. There wasn’t any awkwardness. “No we’re big boys and there is a mutual respect. I suppose we both knew that Paulie was going to be captain.

“He was typically humble in what he said and I wanted to be honest so I told him that it (losing out on the captaincy) had pinched a bit before stressing that he had my full support and that I would do whatever I could to help him, whatever he might ask of me.

“I’m delighted for him. Paul was a leader even when he was not captain of a side and I don’t think that his style will change hugely. Captaincy is never about one person, no matter what the sport; it wasn’t in the Irish set-up. You welcome other players’ input.”

O’Driscoll admitted to being pleasantly surprised by the size of the Irish representation. “It’s probably the most we have ever had and it is a reward for what has been a very good season so far. I am really happy for everyone, young and not so young, who’s made the squad. You’d also spare a thought for those that didn’t make it. The margins are very small.

“For the younger guys in particular it will be nice to be surrounded by familiar faces. I remember on my first Lions tour in 2001 being one of six Irish players. As a young player you’re usually quiet and it can take a while to settle in. One of my first room-mates was Jason Robinson, who had only recently transferred from rugby league to union so he was new to the whole scene himself.

“I remember he was given a book so he could put names to the faces of his team-mates. The great thing about room-mates in that environment is that they look out for one another.”

That friendship extends to the present day as the two maintain contact and when O’Driscoll was asked to appear at Robinson’s testimonial he didn’t hesitate.

O’Driscoll continued: “He is a hugely likeable guy and that’s without touching on his ability as a rugby player. You make so many friends on a Lions tour and that’s something that the younger players will experience. You spend three and a half years trying to take guys heads off and then within a matter of days after coming together, there is a huge bond.

“I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy the tour. In 2001 I had no real knowledge of what it would be like and four years later I had to contend with the captaincy, which was a very different proposition.

“You are pushed to the forefront of the team and responsibilities extend way beyond playing.

“This time I am just looking forward to being another cog in the Lions’ wheel. I am looking forward to taking in the Lions experience. I’d like to think that I will have some involvement (in terms of on-pitch direction) but that’s for others to decide.

“The actual announcement of the squad comes as a big relief. People come up and ask you about the tour to South Africa and you end up discussing things in the abstract. No one is conceited enough to think they’re a certainty and players are aware that of the squad selected someone mightn’t go on the basis of an injury between now and then.

“Hopefully that won’t be me. It’s lovely to have your name read out because then you can start looking forward to the tour properly, although my immediate thoughts will be with Leinster for the next few weeks.”